The LikeTelevision movie channel presents a terrific 1952 classic called Jeux interdits, which roughly translates into Forbidden Games, the English title. The movie is set in France at the start of World War II. Brigitte Fossey plays the young Paulette, a 5 year old orphan who loses her parents as the family flees from the Nazis who are attacking Paris. They get killed by a Messerschmitt that strafes a bridge filled with civilians. Paulette get adopted by a sweet peasant family, the Dolles and she becomes good friends with their young boy about 7 or 8 named Michel Dolle (Georges Poujouly). The film tells an amazing story of the war as seen through the eyes of some beautiful children who are paying a dear price for the troubles of the world. We highly recommend this movie. Two thumbs up.

(1952) - B&W - 85 minThe innocent children play their parts so well. Brigitte Fossey and Georges Poujouly make this movie incredible. Their responses to the tragedies of war and how they bear the sufferings related to loss of loved ones is somewhat misguided, but also tender, kind and gentle. (I do not want to give too much away - go watch the movie). The film was directed by Rene Clement.

Part oneIntro, B&W, credits, etc. The film opens with mass of people fleeing Paris because Nazi Germany is attacking. Included in this throng is a young girl named Paulette, who is maybe 5 years old with her Mom and Dad, and yes, her little dog too. BAM - In flies a Messerschmitt that strafes the bridge with machine gun fire. Paulette is an orphan, her parents are dead and so is her beloved dog. She has an amazing journey to a farm in the French country side, where she meets Michel Dolle who is kind to her.

Brigitte Fossey as the young orphan Paulette holding a cross Michel stole off the hearse

Brigitte Fossey as Paulette and Georges Poujouly as Michel Dolle

Part twoPaulette is doing well adapting to her new family - the Dolles. But the war is causing great troubles throughout France. Many people are dying. Michel and Paulette decide to get crosses and hold a childlike funeral mass for their dead animals. The problem is, Michel is stealing the crosses.

Papa Dolle played by Lucien Hubert and Madame Dolle played by Suzanne Courtal

Part threeThe Gourands live next door to the Dolle's farm. Papa Dolle and Mr. Gouard just hate each other, like the Hatfields and the McCoys, Or should we say, the Montagues and the Capulets - because Mr Dolle's daughter is taking shing to Mr. Gourand's son.

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Georges Poujouly as Michel Dolle the farm boy who finds Pauline

Part fourBy this time in the movie - you will be totally engrossed in the parallel stories unfolding and getting more complicated. The tranquility and quiet sense of peace the children have, and hold onto is both appealing and charming, and disturbing too.

the father Papa Dolle loses it at the funeral for his son.

Part fiveThe movie has a great ending, and I won't spoil. Great in the sense that it is powerful, not great like good. The ending is heartbreaking. We hope you enjoyed this movie as much as we did.